The families of ADF fallen soldiers travelled together to Afghanistan to attend a very emotional ceremony of honouring their loved ones who were killed during the war.

The parents of Australian Army soldier Private Thomas Dale, who was killed by an improvised explosive device on 20 August 2010, console each other after the ceremony to the fallen at Multi National Base – Tarin Kot, southern Afghanistan. (Credit: Australian Defence Image Library)

They travelled to the Multi-National Base in Tarin Kot on Saturday, Nov 2.

The family members laid poppies at the memorial inside Camp Holland.

They were also given the opportunity to spend few minutes with the Australian troops for them to relive the life lived by their loved ones.

Australian Army soldiers from the Special Operations Task Group wave goodbye to the families of Australia's fallen after a ceremony at Multi National Base – Tarin Kot, southern Afghanistan. (Credit: Australian Defence Image Library)

For Peter Diddams, the experience was surreal. Mr Diddams' son was killed in 2012 during an encounter with rebels.

"Because it actually conforms with photographs and with Google Earth, that I've looked at, and books that I have read but it's still an amazing experience to walk out the back of the C-17 and see the mountains around, the dust and the blast walls, the vehicles and the bunkers," he said.

For Kim Duffy, the experience was something they should be grateful about. Mr Duffy's son was killed during an insider attack in 2011.

"I think that for all families, certainly from what I have heard, this is a big closure event for us. Nothing will ever remove the pain and the loss, but just being here is a huge closure chapter, I think for everybody."

General David Hurley, the chief of the Defence Force, travelled with the families to Afghanistan. He said that the trip was a chance to heal the families from their grief, as they relive the place where their loved ones had spent their meaningful years.

"This has been a deeply moving experience for everyone involved, especially the families of our fallen. They are the ones who bear the true cost of war, yet despite their grief they are able to find comfort in what their fathers, partners, sons and brothers achieved in their service to our nation," Gen Hurley said.

"This is the most important visit I will ever make as Chief of the Defence Force. I cannot help but admire the courage and strength of these families - it has been a tremendous privilege to make this journey with them," the general added.

Australian military commanders at Multi National Base – Tarin Kot lay wreaths at the memorial during the ceremony for the fallen (L–R): Lieutenant Colonel Mick Bye, Commanding Officer (CO) 2nd Cavalry Regiment Task Force; Colonel Wade Stothart, Commander Combined Team – Uruzgan; Lieutenant Colonel 'M', CO Special Operations Task Group; and Wing Commander Jonathan McMullan, CO Heron Detachment. (Credit: Australian Defence Image Library)